Best Cordless Drill for Drilling Holes for Plumbing Installations

Comparison Overview

The Best Cordless Drill For Plumbing Hole Drilling

Tackling plumbing projects at home can be rewarding. You get to save money. You also gain satisfaction. Drilling accurate holes is a key step. This is especially true for passing pipes. You need the right tool for the job. A good cordless drill makes this task easier. It also helps you get better results. This guide helps you find the best cordless drill. We focus on drilling holes for plumbing.

How We Picked

We looked at several factors. Power is important for drilling. Torque tells you about the drill’s strength. Battery life matters too. You don’t want it dying mid-project. Chuck size is also key. It holds the drill bit securely. We checked for ease of use. Features like LED lights help. We also considered value for money. We examined customer reviews. These offer real-world insights. We prioritized drills suitable for home use. They need to handle common plumbing tasks.

Buying Guide: What To Look For

Choosing a cordless drill involves several considerations. Let’s break down what matters most for plumbing hole drilling.

Power and Torque

Drilling holes, especially through wood or even some thinner metal, requires power. Torque is the twisting force a drill produces. For plumbing, you’ll likely be drilling through studs or joists. A drill with at least 200 inch-pounds (in-lbs) of torque is a good starting point. Higher torque means more power. This helps the drill bit cut through materials smoothly. It reduces the strain on the drill and on you.

The PULITUO 20V Cordless Drill offers 266 in-lbs of torque. This is ample for most home plumbing tasks. The RIDA Cordless Drill boasts an impressive 355 in-lbs. This gives it extra grunt for tougher jobs. The FADAKWALT Drill provides 180 in-lbs. This is suitable for lighter drilling needs. The Grenpro Drill is a 7.2V model. It’s best for lighter screws and small holes. It’s not ideal for larger plumbing holes.

Battery Life and Type

Cordless drills run on batteries. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are standard now. They offer good power and hold a charge well. Battery voltage indicates power. 12V drills are lighter and good for basic tasks. 18V or 20V drills offer more power. This is better for drilling larger holes.

Consider the battery capacity. It’s often measured in amp-hours (Ah). A higher Ah rating means longer run time. If you drill many holes, a larger battery is beneficial. Some kits come with two batteries. This is a great advantage. You can charge one while using the other.

The PULITUO and RIDA drills both use 20V batteries. The PULITUO comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries. The RIDA has a 2.0 Ah battery. This should provide good working time. The FADAKWALT is a 12V drill. It’s more compact but less powerful. The Grenpro uses a 7.2V battery. This is a much lower power level.

Chuck Size and Type

The chuck is where you insert the drill bit. Most cordless drills have keyless chucks. This means you tighten and loosen them by hand. This is much faster than older keyed chucks. Chuck size refers to the maximum diameter bit it can hold.

A 3/8-inch chuck is common for smaller drills. A 1/2-inch chuck is better for larger bits. For plumbing, you might need to drill holes up to 1 inch or more in diameter. A 1/2-inch chuck is more versatile. It can accommodate a wider range of bits.

The PULITUO, FADAKWALT, and Grenpro drills have 3/8-inch chucks. The RIDA drill features a 1/2-inch metal chuck. This makes it a better choice for larger plumbing holes. The Milescraft DrillMate is a drilling guide. It attaches to drills with 3/8″ or 1/2″ chucks. It has its own 3/8″ capacity chuck.

Speed Settings and Clutch

Drills often have variable speed settings. This lets you control how fast the bit spins. Lower speeds are good for driving screws. Higher speeds are better for drilling. Most drills offer two speed ranges. For example, 0-400 RPM and 0-1500 RPM.

The clutch is also important. It has numbered settings. These control the amount of torque applied. This prevents over-tightening screws. It also protects delicate materials. For drilling, you typically use the highest clutch setting or the drill-only mode.

The PULITUO has two speed settings (0-400, 0-1500 RPM). It also has 21+1 torque settings. The RIDA drill offers two speeds (0-400 RPM and 0-1500 RPM). It features 25+1 torque settings. The FADAKWALT has 21+1 torque settings. Its speed goes up to 650 RPM. The Grenpro has variable speed up to 700 r/min.

Ergonomics and Features

Comfort matters, especially for longer jobs. Look for a drill that feels balanced. A rubberized grip improves handling. Lightweight drills reduce fatigue.

An LED light is a fantastic feature. It illuminates your work area. This is very helpful when drilling in dim spaces. These can be under sinks or in crawl spaces.

The FADAKWALT drill is described as compact and lightweight. It has a rubber grip and an LED light. The PULITUO is also lightweight. It features an LED light for better visibility. The RIDA drill has a built-in LED worklight. It also includes a belt clip, which is handy. The Grenpro drill is lightweight and easy to operate with one hand. It also has a built-in LED light.

Included Accessories

Some drill kits come with many accessories. These can include drill bits, screwdriver bits, and extension bars. A magnetic flexible shaft can help reach tight spots. While the drill itself is the main focus, a good set of accessories adds value.

The PULITUO kit includes a 34-piece set. This has wood bits, twist bits, and screwdriver bits. The FADAKWALT kit also offers a good selection. It includes wood bits, masonry bits, and screwdriver bits. The RIDA drill comes with a 22-piece bit set. It also includes a carry bag. The Grenpro kit has 23 accessories. This includes drill bits and a cleaning brush head.

Drilling Guides

For precise plumbing holes, a drilling guide can be invaluable. The Milescraft 1318 DrillMate is a prime example. It attaches to your cordless drill. It helps you drill straight or angled holes. It can drill on the edge of wood. It also works on round stock. It has angle settings for 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° holes. It also has centering channels for round materials. This accessory can significantly improve accuracy. It’s especially useful when drilling multiple holes.

Best Cordless Drills For Plumbing Hole Drilling

Based on our research, here are some top picks.

1. RIDA Cordless Drill Power Drill Cordless 20V

This drill stands out for its power and chuck size. The 1/2-inch metal chuck is a big advantage. It handles larger drill bits needed for plumbing. Its 355 in-lbs of torque is substantial. This means it can power through tough materials. The 25+1 clutch settings offer good control. The 2.0Ah battery provides decent run time. The included LED light is helpful. The kit comes with a good set of accessories and a carry bag. This makes it a well-rounded option for plumbing tasks.

2. PULITUO 20V Cordless Drill/Driver

This is a strong contender offering good value. Its 20V motor and 266 in-lbs of torque are sufficient for most home plumbing. The two batteries are a significant plus. You get extended working time. The 2-speed settings and 21+1 torque settings provide versatility. The LED light improves visibility. The comprehensive 34-piece accessory kit adds great value. It’s a solid choice for DIYers.

3. FADAKWALT Cordless Drill Set, 12V

If you need a more compact and lighter drill, this is a good option. The 12V power is suitable for smaller holes. The 180 in-lbs of torque is adequate for basic plumbing work. The 21+1 torque settings offer precision. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use. The LED light is a welcome feature. It’s a budget-friendly choice for lighter drilling needs.

4. Milescraft 1318 DrillMate Portable Drilling Guide

While not a drill itself, this is an excellent accessory. If you already own a compatible drill, consider this guide. It greatly enhances drilling accuracy. For plumbing, precise hole placement is often critical. This guide helps you achieve that. It works with 3/8″ and 1/2″ drills. Its angle settings and centering channels are very useful.

5. Grenpro Cordless Drill, 7.2V

This drill is designed for lighter tasks. Its 7.2V power and limited torque make it unsuitable for most plumbing hole drilling. It’s better for light screw driving or very small pilot holes. The included cleaning brush is an interesting addition. However, it doesn’t meet the demands of plumbing installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drill bit do I need for plumbing pipes?

The size depends on the pipe diameter. You’ll need a bit slightly larger than the pipe’s outer diameter. For common PEX or copper pipes, you might use bits ranging from 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches. Larger diameter holes may require spade bits or hole saws.

Can I use any cordless drill for plumbing?

While you can technically use any drill, a more powerful one is recommended. Drills with higher voltage (18V or 20V) and more torque (over 200 in-lbs) will perform better. They make drilling through wood studs easier. Lower-powered drills might struggle or overheat.

What is torque, and why is it important for drilling?

Torque is the rotational force of the drill. More torque means the drill has more power to turn the bit. This is essential for drilling through dense materials like wood. It helps prevent the drill from bogging down.

How do I ensure accurate hole placement?

Using a drilling guide like the Milescraft DrillMate can help. Measuring carefully and marking your spots is crucial. A pencil or chalk line works well. For very precise work, a level can also be helpful.

Do I need a special type of drill bit for wood?

Yes, wood drill bits are designed for cutting wood. They have sharp points and spurs to help them penetrate cleanly. For larger holes, spade bits or auger bits are often used. Hole saws are for very large diameter holes.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right cordless drill for plumbing hole drilling simplifies your work. Focus on power, torque, and chuck size. A 20V drill with at least 200 in-lbs of torque is ideal. A 1/2-inch chuck offers more versatility for larger bits. Consider battery life and ergonomic features for comfort. Accessories like LED lights and drilling guides enhance usability and accuracy. The RIDA and PULITUO drills are strong contenders. The Milescraft DrillMate is a valuable accessory for precision. Always use the correct drill bits for the material. With the right drill, your plumbing projects will go smoothly.